13 Underrated Condiments Your Sandwiches Have Been Craving

Sriracha

If you enjoy a bit of spice – but not overwhelming heat – on your sandwich, adding sriracha will delight your taste buds. This zesty condiment hails from Thailand and is now readily available in the U.S. It's crafted from garlic, chilis, and vinegar, resulting in a tangy, flavorful paste that enhances your sandwich. Unlike some hot sauces, sriracha offers a bold flavor without leaving you sweating.

If you're a fan of sriracha, there's no need to stop there. Daniel Doll has a recommendation for an unexpected twist that can elevate your sriracha to new heights of flavor. "For sriracha, the unique and umami-rich flavors of Korean gochujang paste can transform a standard sriracha into something much more intricate and dynamic," he explains. Gochujang, made from fermented soybeans, chilis, and rice, is far more than the sum of its ingredients. Its smoky, deeply savory taste pairs wonderfully with sriracha, creating an exceptional condiment that you can add to any sandwich.

Your gochujang-infused sriracha will pair beautifully with sliced meats or cheeses, or add a spicy flair to vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. It would be particularly delicious on a turkey and avocado sandwich, where it balances the creamy avocado for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

Chocolate habanero hot sauce

If you love indulging in chocolate during lunch, consider a creative twist – try incorporating chocolate habaneros instead. Named for their striking deep brown hue, chocolate habaneros are an exceptionally spicy chili variety, boasting over 400,000 Scoville units (for context, jalapeños can measure as low as 2,500 units).

Daniel Doll enjoys experimenting with new takes on classic spicy flavors. He has recently highlighted the 1542 SouthWest Chocolate Habanero hot sauce by Heartbreaking Dawn as one of his top picks. "For many sandwiches, I like to play around with distinctive hot sauce flavors that blend spice profiles from various cultures, unique peppers, and different levels of heat," Doll shared.

If you're seeking a bold chili kick, consider drizzling chocolate habanero hot sauce over roast beef or pulled pork sandwiches, or even adding a dash to your next gourmet burger. This sauce will infuse a fiery zest into the rich meat, transforming your ordinary sandwich into a spicy sensation.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup might seem like an unusual ingredient for a savory sandwich, typically associated with desserts or breakfast, but when used in the right amounts, it can lead to a delightful flavor experience. Daniel Doll enjoys experimenting with flavor combinations, and he finds that the sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with spicy elements like hot peppers. "Combining something sweet like maple syrup with chili pepper creates a wonderful contrast of flavors and a distinctive sweet-then-heat sensation," he explains.

If you're curious about how to add maple syrup to your lunch, start with a bacon sandwich, as this combination is familiar to anyone who appreciates the salty-sweet breakfast pairing. From there, you can explore other meats, with the maple syrup enhancing their sweetness and balancing any salty notes. When selecting a maple syrup, opt for a high-quality product that is 100% pure maple, as some brands may include sweeteners or preservatives. Gradually introduce heat by adding fresh or dried chilis a little at a time until you achieve the perfect harmony of sweetness and spice.

Dijonnaise sauce

Mustard is a timeless condiment for sandwiches, and Dijon mustard stands out as a particularly delicious choice. Crafted from black or brown mustard seeds, as opposed to the milder white seeds used in American mustard, it offers a delightful heat that is more tangy than intensely spicy, delivering a robust flavor. If you find Dijon mustard a bit too potent for your sandwich, creamy Dijonnaise sauce provides the perfect compromise.

As anticipated, the primary components of Dijonnaise sauce are Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, but you can incorporate additional ingredients to elevate the flavor. A splash of acidity from lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can enhance the taste, while a hint of honey can introduce a sweeter note. If you're trying it for the first time, begin with equal parts mustard and mayo, then gradually add more mayonnaise to achieve your desired balance. As Daniel Doll wisely states, "The best part about cooking is that taste is subjective. Discover what works for you to harmonize flavors."

The ideal sandwich for Dijonnaise sauce is one loaded with meat, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy yet creamy sauce. Cured meats or roast chicken are perfect choices, and it can easily substitute mayo in other applications as well. If you're enjoying fries with your sandwich, it makes an excellent dip, so feel free to prepare a generous amount — you might as well make extra to save time later!

Crispy jalapenos

At times, your sandwich craves a bit of textural contrast instead of a smooth sauce. If you can find an ingredient that offers a burst of flavor to complement the crunch, you’re on the path to creating an exceptional sandwich. Daniel Doll enjoys experimenting with various ingredients to enhance dishes and discover unique additions. He suggests, "Experiment with spice and heat levels, saltiness, and textures to craft the experience that suits you and your guests best." Recently, he has been trying out crispy fried jalapeño bits to introduce both heat and crunch to sandwiches.

Making crispy jalapeños in the fryer will only take a few minutes, but the effort is worthwhile, as these crunchy bites will provide a spicy kick and a delightful crunch with every bite. Jalapeños pair wonderfully with all types of cheese and can be added to grilled vegetables like bell peppers and eggplant for a nutritious filling option. However, be careful not to place the crispy jalapeños on the same side of the bread as any wet condiments, as their texture will quickly diminish, especially if you’re preparing the sandwich ahead of time.

Curry ketchup

If your go-to ketchup just isn't doing the trick anymore, it might be time to spice things up. There are numerous flavored ketchups on the market—or you could whip up your own—but Daniel Doll has a particular flavor he believes is an excellent choice for enhancing your sandwich experience.

"I've been really enjoying... curry ketchup," he shares. "It has a delightful flavor profile and serves as a great upgrade to traditional ketchup." With spices like paprika and chili, this twist on the classic ketchup retains enough tomato essence to feel familiar, while delivering a subtle kick that elevates your sandwich. Curry ketchup pairs perfectly with burgers, but it can also complement both meat and veggie sandwiches, adding depth to your meal.

Many brands offer their own take on this flavor, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can easily create your own curry ketchup to match your taste preferences. You can either make your own tomato ketchup and mix in warming spices like turmeric, garlic powder, or coriander, or simply stir them into a store-bought version for a quick and easy upgrade.

Pesto

If you love the vibrant, umami-packed taste of pesto, it’s time to expand its use beyond pasta and start incorporating it into your sandwiches. Crafted from pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, green pesto boasts a fragrant and savory profile that pairs wonderfully with cheese and tomatoes. However, it can also enhance a variety of other sandwich fillings. A traditional caprese panini, for instance, will be elevated with a spread of pesto on the bread. For a plant-based option, roasted vegetables combined with vegan pesto work exceptionally well, too.

If you typically avoid pesto due to a nut allergy, you don’t have to miss out on this beloved condiment. Rachael Ray’s secret for a tasty nut-free pesto is capers, which may not replicate the creamy texture of pine nuts but introduce a distinctive flavor to the mixture, making it a favorite even among fans of the original version. Additionally, you can create a nut-free red pesto by substituting basil with sun-dried tomatoes. This variation offers a richer flavor while remaining just as delicious and versatile as its basil-based counterpart.

Honey

If you have a jar of honey tucked away in the back of your cupboard, only brought out for special teas or to glaze parsnips, it’s time to start using it on your sandwiches. If the idea of honey as a topping seems a bit too sweet for your taste, Daniel Doll suggests that you can mix in any ingredients you like to traditional sauces, tailoring them to fit your dish. "There are countless ways to add your own unique twists," he explains. "At Bushwick Kitchen, we refer to this as Culinary Exploration. By taking classic condiments like maple syrup, honey, and sriracha and infusing them with distinctive flavors or ingredients, we build the foundation of our business."

When using honey, the goal is to balance its sweetness with a spicy or tangy element, especially if you’re not a fan of overly sweet flavors. Hot honey—honey infused with spicy chilis—is a delightful surprise for your taste buds, and with its growing availability in grocery stores, there’s no reason not to try it on your next sandwich.

Honey pairs wonderfully with ham, and the spiciness from the chilis will cut through the richness of the meat, creating a deliciously balanced lunch. Most meats will complement honey well, and adding a bit of cheese can help tone down the heat even further.

Aioli

While mayonnaise is a common topping for many homemade sandwiches, its more sophisticated counterpart—aioli—tends to be less favored. Nevertheless, aioli is a delectable choice if you're seeking a more exciting condiment. Many people mistakenly view aioli as just garlic mayonnaise, but that doesn't do it justice. Crafted from eggs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, it boasts a rich, creamy texture that makes it an ideal spread for your dips, provided you get the ratios just right.

"I believe that texture is crucial in a sandwich," says Daniel Doll. "It's important not to drown your sandwich in sauce; you want to enhance the other flavors without making the bread soggy." The bold flavor of aioli means that a light spread on both sides of the sandwich is sufficient to elevate it without overwhelming the filling or compromising the bread's texture.

Although you can find aioli readily available in stores, homemade versions will always taste superior, and preparing a batch is quick and easy. You probably have all the necessary ingredients in your fridge and pantry, so the next time you're in the mood for a sandwich, why not try making your own? You'll enhance your meal and create a delicious mayo alternative that can be used in a variety of other tasty dishes.

Black bean hummus

Hummus is an excellent addition to your sandwiches, providing a nutty and satisfying taste that complements both the bread and the filling. While the classic version is delightful on its own, why not switch things up by trying black bean hummus? Not only does it boast a striking dark hue, but its rich, earthy flavor adds a unique twist to your sandwich while still satisfying your hummus cravings.

Traditional hummus is crafted from garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oil, tahini, a splash of lemon juice, and a selection of herbs or spices for seasoning. Creating a black bean variation is incredibly easy—simply substitute a can of drained black beans for the chickpeas and blend everything until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to leave it a bit coarser.

When it comes to condiments, black bean hummus stands out for its nutritional benefits. It's loaded with plant-based protein and rich in monounsaturated fats from the sesame seeds in tahini, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the beans are packed with antioxidants that can help lower the risk of various chronic diseases.

Your black bean hummus pairs wonderfully with southwestern ingredients like avocados, corn, and chilis. If you're in the mood for meat, sliced pork complements it beautifully, as the earthy flavor of the hummus balances the richness perfectly.

Tikka masala jam

If you think your sandwich-making skills have been a bit uninspired lately, it might be time to unleash your creativity and start experimenting in the kitchen. By mixing flavors you love from various dishes, you could create a delightful surprise that you truly enjoy. Daniel Doll encourages home cooks to be imaginative and think beyond the conventional, reminding you to have fun along the way.

"Always keep exploring," he advises. "Being a culinary adventurer is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences you can have. Stay curious, share your ideas with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to try their creations at home too!"

One unexpected enhancement you might consider is using tikka masala jam on your sandwiches. Packed with the warm spices typically found in curry, its chutney-like consistency makes it perfect for elevating the flavor of your bread. Making the jam is quite simple — it involves simmering canned tomatoes with aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger, along with a mix of spices.

This tasty condiment is versatile and pairs well with traditional South Asian ingredients like paneer, as well as your favorite meat or vegetable sandwich fillings. Its sweet and spicy flavors create a delightful complexity that will keep your taste buds satisfied all day long.

Fig jam

Figs are an often-overlooked fruit, boasting a rich flavor that complements both savory and sweet dishes beautifully. They are also packed with health benefits, being high in fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to your sandwich. Fig jam or fig chutney offers a convenient way to enjoy the sweetness of figs, enhancing the flavor of your lunch.

Figs are particularly delightful when paired with cheese, especially blue or soft cheeses like brie. Crafting a panini with cured meats, melty cheese, and a generous spread of fig jam results in a sandwich that combines salty, sweet, and creamy flavors in every bite. If you prefer less sweetness, use fig jam sparingly, as it can be quite sugary. To create a balance, consider adding a spicy kick with dried chili flakes. A few leaves of watercress or arugula can also be included for a refreshing touch.

Tapenade

To infuse your sandwich with a Mediterranean flair, think about incorporating the savory, salty olive spread known as tapenade. This beloved spread from Greece, Spain, and southern France is crafted from black olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies, enhanced with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for a smoother consistency. While it’s commonly enjoyed on crusty bread as an appetizer, it also serves as an excellent condiment for sandwiches.

The bold saltiness of tapenade can beautifully balance the rich flavors of meats and cheeses, creating a well-rounded sandwich. It pairs wonderfully with plant-based ingredients too, complementing earthy vegetables like artichokes or beets. For a true Mediterranean experience, consider combining it with tomatoes, basil, and cheese for a savory twist on a caprese salad. The addition of tapenade will elevate your lunch to a whole new level of deliciousness.